Indiana Selects New High School Equivalency Credential

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August 29, 2013 - 7:34am

ExamIndiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Commissioner Scott B. Sanders announced today the intention to execute a contract with CTB/McGraw-Hill to provide a new high school equivalency assessment that will replace the General Educational Development (GED®) test currently in use. The new assessment will ensure Indiana offers a high school equivalency test that matches employer demand and is both affordable and accessible.

An expert panel of representatives from the Indiana Department of Correction (DOC), the Indiana Department of Education (DOE) and DWD were involved in evaluating all proposals offered, culminating in the selection of CTB/McGraw- Hill. In addition, Ivy Tech and the Indiana Association of Continuing Education provided expert analysis of the available testing options. The new test, which all Indiana providers will begin utilizing in 2014, is called the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC).

TASC will be aligned to the College and Career Readiness Standards over the next few years and will gradually increase in rigor to better meet industry demand. Hoosier test takers will also pay considerably less for the TASC than the GED® exam, which is scheduled to double in price beginning in January.

“A quality workforce is essential to economic growth. It was crucial to select an exam that is on par with Indiana’s College and Career Readiness Standards while ensuring it is accessible to any Hoosier,” said Scott B. Sanders, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

In order to maintain accessibility, the new exam will continue to be offered in both paper and computer-based formats, ensuring Indiana’s current network of providers, including correctional facilities, will not be disrupted. It will also be available in English and Spanish, Braille, and audio versions for the visually impaired.